Crossing The Devils Path

chap 43-Shimla

Richard's Pov:
Finally the interview was over. I acted all calm and collected. But in reality I felt like it was a damn exam viva.
" Hey that was great. But I noticed someone is very excited to go to India huh" Dante smirked.
"It's not funny Dante " Samaira said, smacking him on the head.
"Fine, fine" Dante huffed.
I just smiled at their annoying exchange. Ever since Dante and Samaira have got along with each other, I can't help but feel an empty space every time I see them.
It's been two years, since..since Richa left. Initially, I hired a detective to search for her. But I knew she would have left no trace. That woman was smarter than most. And I was right, she had disappeared like a gust of wind.
I knew she was in India but it was a whole damn country. Even after two whole years I couldn't find her anywhere. So I decided to first concentrate on myself but keep myself updated about her whenever possible. I had drowned myself in a sea of work. But her memories haunted me. I couldn't sleep for days, I needed her so badly.
And the worst times were the damn parties. I was expected to have a plus one, thanks to all the pressure from my Father. But eventually things changed, I stood up against him. I had to respect Richa's advice and I certainly acted upon it. I proved to my father that I was more than what he saw. He called me a rebel at first and gradually our meetings and conversations shortened. We only met when it was necessary. During all this the only thing that helped me cope up was my mother's memorial. That place felt like my safe haven,so serene and far away from my troubles.
Dante and Samaira's bickering bought me back to reality just in time to see them lip locking . Turning my face away I fake coughed. All red faced, Samaira smiled back at me apologetically. While Dante' just smirked at me.
After lunch the next day, I was packing all my stuff to get ready for my trip to Shimla.
All set and ready by evening I summoned my driver to pick me upto the airport. I couldn't help but think that something good would be coming my way. Now all I had to do was await India.
Two days and a sleepy journey later I landed safely in India. I had to hire a car and drive up north for abt 22 kilometers to reach my abode in Shimla.
A few minutes later I got a call from an employee saying that everything has been taken care of. While I was conferring on the call, a car pulled up beside me and confirmed if I was Mr Carlson. Nodding, I got inside and we headed out for our journey. Most part of the journey I kept looking at my Ipad and working . Occasionally, I would look up at the beautiful scenery while I drove past it. Shimla was indeed beautiful. The atmosphere was alluring and calming. I inhaled a deep breath and relaxed myself. I gave myself a mental reminder to call my detective once I reach the hotel. My stay in India wasn't solely for business, of course, I would keep looking for Richa no matter how long it takes.

Richa's Pov:
Getting up extra early today, I freshened up and left for work. I couldn't sleep much last night, for obvious reasons. The memories of Richard kept haunting me. It made me anxious knowning he would come to my city.
What if we cross paths? Would he recognise me? Is he coming alone?
I couldn't help but wonder. His memories were hitting me with a recurring feeling of nausea as I walked my way to work.today. I now work at a Real estate firm here in Shimla. It's known as Pearl Enterprises. Being a branch of a pretty well known firm in India I had a little difficulty getting my job here. But I knew I would crack the interview. I was a journalist after all. I know how people tick and how questions are to be answered. It's been almost a year and half, from the time I began work here. I am hardworking and believe that success comes to those who dare to embark on a journey of risks with optimisim and persistent hardwork as companions. Following that, I worked my way up in the company. And now, I am the personal assistant of Mr. Ray Ahuja. He's an amazing boss yet annoying at times. With about 4 years of age difference between us, we kind of get along from the beginning. The same age as Richard. My conscious reminded me. Clenching my fists I took long breaths and waited for my thoughts and feelings to pass. I can't help but feel shackled by our relationship. I am his wife and yet I am not.
Busy in my own world, I was walking towards the lift without looking because of which I stumbled and fell.
The realisation of the abrupt fall was still sinking in, when the sound of laughter made me look up.
"You are so clumsy", Ray said laughing his heart out.
Huffing in anger, I got up and straightened myself.
Ignoring his mischievous smirk I got inside the lift with him. I was busy looking at his appointments diary when his hand slammed the book shut. I looked up at him questioningly.
What is his problem now?
When our eyes met he cleared his throat and then smiled down at me " Can you accompany me to the charity event ,as my plus one tonight?"
Before I could answer he clarified by saying "Hey, no pressure its just that I already confirmed with the host that I will be coming but I don't have a date tonight, so umm...I thought th.."
I cut him off by placing a hand, on his already placed hand on the book. "Sure I will come what re friends for?" I shrugged.
For a few minutes he frowned and than brushing off some internal battle he smiled at me with bright eyes. At times at like this, I couldn't help but notice that my boss was one hell of a catch for any woman.